Ann has earned the Accredited Luxury Home
Specialist (ALHS), Cer tified Residential
Specialist (CRS), and Graduate of the Real

Ann is a full-time Real Estate Broker, a multi-

Estate Institute (GRI) designations. She served

million dollar producer and respected by her

as a State Director for the Oregon Association

colleagues in the business.

of Realtors for eight years.

As a resident of

She was also

Lane County for more than 40 years, she is in-

nominated in 2013 as one of Lane County’s top

tune with market values of the various Eugene

Real Estate Brokers in the Register Guard’s

neighborhoods and sister cities. Ann has built

Reader’s Choice Awards contest.

her business on client service and a solid
4

WHAT ANN & EQUINOX
CAN DO FOR YOU

AC C REDIT ED D E S I G N AT I ON S

‘
The Accredited Luxury Home Specialist designation
is awarded to those Real Estate Brokers who
become members of The Luxury Home Council by
meeting standards of achievement, demonstrating
their expertise in the Luxury Home segment of the
Real Estate Industry. The Luxury Home Council is an
elite membership of top real estate agents
throughout the United States.
Members of the Luxury Home Council subscribe to
a dedication like no other. They strive to provide
exceptional service to affluent clients through
rigorous education focusing on the Luxury Home
Market and their understanding of the special
demands of affluent buyers and sellers. Members of
the Luxury Home Council are professionals that
value the client-agent relationship.

The Graduate of the Realtor Institute designation is
the most recognized professional designation in the
real estate industry. The designation is conferred on
qualified individuals by the state association of
REALTORS, with educational requirements
established by the National Association of Realtors.
The coursework includes topics from marketing and
servicing listed properties, contract law, professional
standards, sales and marketing, finance and risk
reduction.
The Gr aduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI)
designation indicates to buyers, sellers and other real
estate industry professionals that you as an agent
have made the commitment to provide a high level
of professional service to your clients by securing a
strong educational foundation.

The Certified Residential Specialist designation is
considered the “master’s degree of real estate.”
Every CRS Designee must have a proven track
record in the business, as well as advanced education
in related areas of finance, technology and marketing.
The training of CRS designees includes a strong
focus on technology and its applications in the real
estate business. The CRS designation is awarded by
the Residential Sales Council.
CRS designees are recognized for advanced study in
listing, selling, investment, taxes, and a proven record
of experience in applied residential marketing. Less
than 4% of all Realtors hold this designation. To
receive this honor, a Realtor must complete the
required courses offered by the Residential Sales
Council of the National Association of Realtors
(NAR) and must demonstrate specific expertise in
applied residential real estate marketing. Every CRS
has undergone a rigorous, specialized course of
detailed training, aimed at making residential
transactions as smooth and worry free as possible.

5

WHAT ANN & EQUINOX
CAN DO FOR YOU

TESTI MONI AL S
“In our real estate dealing with Ann Kieran, we found her to be
the ideal person to represent us. Ann has a rare combination
of keen business savvy and impeccable ethics. Her integrity
imparts unerring honesty and fairness to all whom she has
contact. Her knowledge of real estate law and practices, and
attention to detail, allowed us to have confidence that her
advice to us, and actions taken on our behalf, were proper and
sound. In addition, we found her approach to be creative and
imaginative. She took action in a timely and appropriate
fashion, when it counted. Her sensitivity and judgment in
working with people was exemplary. In short, if we ever have
any future real estate transactions in the state of Oregon, Ann
Kieran is the one we will want to represent us."
– Richard Knuth
"I feel it is important you know how pleased I am to be Ann
Kieran's client. It is an overused expression in business today,
but Ann is a great listener and does what she says she will do.
On two different occasions when the buyer's agent was out of
town and hard to reach, Ann carried the ball for all of us. She
kept me updated at anxious moments, and persisted
throughout negotiations until the transaction was closed.
Without qualification, I will come to Ann for my future real
estate business. I am confident that when I refer clients and
friends to Ann, they will find a respectful and effective
professional.”
– Steve Jones
“We just completed the move into our new house and I am
writing to thank you for your help. We can’t say how much we
appreciate your wise advice and dedicated service. We feel
that we are lucky to have found you just by chance. Working
with you has been such a pleasure.
Buying a house is
extremely stressful, but we have benefitted greatly from your
sense of humor, your effort to accommodate our needs and
tastes, your knowledge of the local housing market, your ability
to evaluate the value and conditions of houses, and your
patience to explain complex clauses in sale documents to us
who are first-time buyers. Your strong sense of professional
ethics also surprised us as we came from California where the
housing market is much more chaotic and predatory practices
rampant. No doubt there are other excellent realtors out
there besides you, but we would rank you as among the best in
terms of your skills and experience. Your company should be
proud to have you. If you need references from us, please do
not hesitate to ask.”
– Tuong Vu and Lan Tran
"Once again I say a heartfelt 'thank you' for all that you did.
Your expertise in the professional aspects of our 'association'
was undeniable. The emotional support was sustaining. I know
in my heart another agent would not have been as tenacious.
In addition you are a nice person and that is a very, very good
thing."
– Judy Puderbaugh

“It was a pleasure to work with you, and not simply because of
your friendly and optimistic personality. You seemed “on our
side” in every way. My wife and I never once had the
impression you made decisions based upon your personal
interests; inexpensive homes were as thoroughly considered as
pricey ones. We gratefully made use of how knowledgeable
you are about neighborhoods, fair pricing and each property’s
potential. We appreciated your support during the month of
trying to work with a seller who proved impossible to work
with and your promptness to close a deal once we finally found
the right place. You were so professional, yet never aloof. You
were always matter-of-fact and informative.
My most
memorable moment was when the three of us entered a
home with the sickly green carpet that was so long and
unkempt. It was horrible and my wife and I both stammered,
“It’s so” but, were unable to find an appropriate adjective. Your
mind worked more quickly, despite the shock: “rake-able,” you
concluded. Thank you for not rushing the home buying
experience. We ended up with a wonderful home we love.”
– David and Ceri Van Slyke
"I would whole heartedly nominate Ann Kieran for the Register
Guard's Reader's Choice Awards for best Realtor in 2013. She
has represented me and other family members in real estate
transactions, both as sellers and buyers...her breadth of
knowledge comes from experience handling simple and
complex real estate issues, as well as doing a lot of hand
holding during the buy/sell process. She kept me calm in rather
a tricky contract issue and when the deal was settled in my
favor, I knew I had picked the right agent. I would recommend
her to anyone needing a Real Estate Agent!"
– 2013 Anonymously submitted to the Register Guard
“We wanted to let you know how much we appreciate all of
your hard work over the past few weeks. It has been a
challenging and at times difficult process for us, and you’ve
eased that burden at many turns. We are most impressed with
the honesty, dedication and strategy that you bring to the table
each day. It has been a pleasure working with you, Ann!”
– Alysia and Miles
“It is our pleasure to recommend Ann Kieran as a listing agent.
She has helped us sell two homes in Eugene and has
consistently gone the extra mile in marketing, attention and
professional skills. Not only does Ann understand real estate ins
and outs, she is responsive to a seller’s ideas and needs (and
helps keep up one’s spirits with her dry sense of humor). To
say it best, we would list with her again if she wished to move
to California.”
– Burt and Sandy Kaplan

6

T H A N K

WHAT ANN & EQUINOX
CAN DO FOR YOU

YO U

FOR MAKING ME A WINNER

Whether you’re looking for
your next home
in an urban environment or
that little slice of rural heaven,
Ann can help you find your
next dream home.

One of the top Real Estate Agents in Lane County
ANN KIERAN

•

ALHS, CRS, GRI

7

WHAT ANN & EQUINOX
CAN DO FOR YOU

â&#x20AC;Š

Equinox Mission Statement
Equinox Real Estate Investments
is a friendly, honest and knowledgeable real estate company
with strong ties to the Willamette Valley, Eugene and Springfield.
We are professional, well-trained and ethical real estate practitioners
who insist on only the highest standards, using the most sophisticated
technology working in an inspirational creative environment.
Equinox Real Estate Investments strongly believes,
as a collective and individually, that each and every one of us is responsible
for the preservation and protection of our fragile environment.
It is our duty as the resident guardians of the planet
to treat the earth with the utmost care and respect.
Therefore, we encourage intelligent investment strategies,
sensible resource development complimented with
green building techniques and practices.
We are 100% locally owned with deep roots in our community,
demonstrating high standards of service, professionalism,
integrity, philanthropy and community involvement.

8

WHAT ANN & EQUINOX
CAN DO FOR YOU

The Equinox Difference — Our Commitment to You

M

any believe that a Real Estate Broker’s
job is to simply find a buyer for your home or
property. This is merely one aspect of our work
as we also function as your negotiator in the
sales process, an advocate for your best interests,
a counselor regarding the home sale process,
a project manager for inspections, appraisals,
repairs, escrow and much more. It is our goal
and commitment to you to provide exceptional
service and be your real estate resource whenever
a question or need may arise.
As part of this commitment to you, we pledge
to provide the following:
Educate: The importance of understanding
the basic principles of Real Estate
◊ Agency relationships and representation
◊ Preparing your property for marketing
◊ The procedure and process of
selling a home
◊ The earnest money agreement or
offer to purchase
Research: Properly price your home
◊ View comparable properties which are
in direct competition with your home
◊ Share our experience with sold homes
we have viewed in your area
◊ Provide you with a thorough
Comparative Market Analysis
◊ Determine a price for your home that
yields the highest return in the shortest
amount of time

Act: Marketing your property
◊ Coordinate property inspections to avoid
unforeseen problems and gain a
competitive advantage over your
competition
◊ Assist you in preparing your home for
a positive first impression
◊ Market your home to buyers and other
real estate broker employing a
combination of media to provide
maximum exposure
Closing: Completing the circle
◊ Negotiate the highest net return under
the best possible terms in the shortest
amount of time
◊ Oversee all inspections, appraisals and
repairs required to complete the
transaction
◊ Coordinate the preparation of title and
escrow as well as closing documents to
ensure a smooth transition for all parties
involved
At Equinox Real
Estate, we are with
you from beginning
and beyond closing
as it is our goal to
ensure your complete
satisfaction and to
build a relationship to
last a lifetime.

This is our commitment to you.
9

WHAT ANN & EQUINOX
CAN DO FOR YOU

Equinox in the Community

O

n a daily basis, Equinox Real Estate strives to create a positive
impact on the communities we share which goes beyond simply
providing exceptional real estate service.
We consider service to our community to be the foundation which
fosters stronger communities, a better nation and a healthier planet.
Equinox Brokers demonstrate high levels of community
involvement and leadership through volunteerism, board memberships
and donations to a variety of charities, non-profit organizations and
schools both locally and outside Oregon.
The following is a partial list of charities and organizations our
Brokers have supported and continue to support. (We encourage you to
research and support them as well, as well as suggest new ones to add
to the list!)
Bring Recycling — www.bringrecycling.org
Dance For A Reason — www.danceforareason.com
Surfrider Foundation — www.surfrider.org
1% for the planet — www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/en
St. Vincent DePaul — www.svdp.us
Doulas Supporting Teens — www.doulassupportingteens.org
Willamette Family Treatment Services — www.wfts.org
Local Schools — www.4j.lane.edu
Goodwill Industries — www.goodwill-oregon.org
Big Brother/Big Sister — www.eugeneymca.org/big_brothers_big_sisters.htm
City Club of Eugene — www.cityclubofeugene.org
Eugene Chamber of Commerce — www.eugenechamber.com
CISCAP — www.efn.org/~ciscap
Oregon State Firefighters Council - www.osffc.org

10

P R I C I N G YO U R H O M E

11

PRICING YOUR HOME

12

12

PRICING YOUR HOME

13
13

MARKETING PLAN

14

MARKETING PLAN FOR YOUR HOME
My marketing efforts are aimed at two groups: buyers and real
estate licensees. My aim is to provide marketing using various
methods that best suit the property. Provided below is a
general marketing plan which includes the different methods by
which I most often use to market a property.
THE BASICS
• Place lock box & ‘For Sale’ sign on property
• Create flyer describing the features of the property
• Stage a vacant home with decor, or help stage a home that is
occupied
• Post home in Regional Multiple Listing Service (RMLS)
• Create interesting property description targeting
multiple buying groups
• Include photos taken by agent and/or professional
photographer
• Prospect through RMLS database for buyers
• Create ‘house listing’ book showcasing the property
• Utility information
• Photos of home
• Disclosures
• Area and school information
• Inspections and warranty information

OPEN HOUSES
• Schedule open houses as agreed upon – reaching local
buyers.
• Place advertisements in the Register Guard
• Solicit input from visitors and report feedback to seller

• Advertise with a ‘Visual Tour’ on the internet – reaching local,
regional and national buyers.
• 360° video of home and its features, linked to
various websites

• Equinox Real Estate Tour Day
• Give home property presentation to Equinox
Realtors at office meeting
• Actively participate in ‘Buyer Wants and Needs’ at
meeting
• Post property flyer on company bulletin board
• Special Events
• E-mail and/or postcard invitations to cooperating
RMLS Brokers
• Host brunch, lunch and/or evening party for brokers
• Distribute flyers and network
• Target top realtors in Lane County
• Target realtors actively working properties in the
specific area of the listing
• Distribute flyer or postcard, as needed, as a reminder
of property availability
• Solicit input from realtors that visit home
• Get price and condition of property pros and cons
• Report realtor feedback to seller

15

LISTING AND SELLING OBJECTIVES
• To get as many qualified buyers as possible into the property
until it is sold
• To communicate the results of my activities to you on a
regular basis
• To get the highest possible dollar value for your house
• To constantly look for effective methods of exposing your
house to qualified buyers

AC T I O N P L A N

WITHIN THE FIRST WEEK
• Take photos, or hire professional photographer, for the
property flyer and internet advertising
• Schedule property for Equinox Real Estate Broker tour and
promotion at company meeting
• Schedule property for Eugene Association Realtor Broker
tour and promotion at RMLS meeting
• Post your home on AskAnnAboutHomes.com and multiple
internet sites
• Schedule first open house
• Place ‘Open House’ ad in Register Guard

OFFERS
• Deliver all offers promptly
• Provide counsel at the presentation of all offers by
cooperating Brokers Assist in the negotiation of the offer
and transaction
• Once an offer has been accepted:
• Open escrow with the title company
• Order preliminary title report
• Keep seller informed on the progress of the buyer’s
loan
• Inform seller of scheduled inspections
• Assist in the repair negotiations, as needed, with
buyer
• Assist in scheduling repairs and meeting repair
persons
• Inform seller on the progress of the appraisal
• Assist in writing addendum, completing all
documentation to remove contingencies and
proceeding to close the transaction
• Notify seller when buyer’s loan documents are
complete
• Schedule escrow closing appointment
• Review title company closing statement
• Assist at closing appointment and help with transfer
of possession of property after closing

WITHIN THE FIRST TEN DAYS
• Create color flyer outlining the key features of the property
• ‘Flyer Box’ on property, if applicable
• Mail ‘Just Listed’ postcards to the neighborhood, agent
sphere and others
• Host first open house
WITHIN THE FIRST THREE WEEKS
• Create ‘House Listing’ Book
• Target specific buyer groups through title company search
• Mail postcards to target buyer groups
• Prepare advertisement for one of Eugene’s real estate
magazines

16

MARKETING PLAN

FIRST DAY
• Sign employment/marketing agreement
• Price your property to attract as many qualified buyers as
possible
• Place lock box on property, if agreed upon
• Place ‘For Sale’ sign on property, if agreed upon
• Submit listing information to the Regional Multiple Listing
Service (RMLS)
• Listing information appears on the RMLS “Hotsheet” as a
NEW LISTING
• Create marketing plan with various media for highest
community impact

THROUGHOUT LISTING PERIOD
• Prospect daily to find a buyer for the property
• Follow-up with all agents who show the property
• Hold open houses as scheduled
• Follow-up with all visitors that attend the open houses
• Communicate regularly with verbal and e-mail progress
reports
• Review marketing activities with seller
• Pre-qualify potential buyers

DIS TIN CT IV E PRO M OT I O N A L A DV E RT I SI N G
Graphic designers, Hailey Pratt and Kate Hillers, are
freelance graphic designers who provides me with high quality,
creative promotional materials customized to offer the most
competitive edge for each and every property I list. Newspaper
and magazine ads, postcards, brochures and more are created
and printed virtually on demand utilizing their expertise and
high resolution digital color printer. This distinctive marketing is
a sales feature virtually unmatched by other real estate
companies.
www.EquinoxRealEstate.com, the Equinox Real Estate
website, is easy to access and extremely user friendly. The site
offers a wealth of information about the community, a link to
the Regional Multiple Listing Service (RMLS) and informative
home buying and selling tips. Equinox Real Estate listings have
detailed information and photos, a downloadable flyer and upto-the-minute open house information.

Convention & Visitors Association of Lane County
(CVALCO), www.visitlanecounty.org, is a local organization and
website that helps visitors plan business trips, vacations and/or
relocate to Lane County. As a member of this organization, I’m
a featured Real Estate Broker in their Relocation Directory. My
clients benefit from this marketing feature as it helps draw
potential buyers to my website and listings.

The Register Guard Real Estate Monthly is a once a month
publication that Equinox Real Estate contracts to advertise its
company listings. The full-page, color, back cover of the
magazine offers great placement and is yet another way
Equinox Real Estate listings get special treatment.
The Register Guard Home & Garden publication is a
monthly published insert into the Register Guard newspaper. I
often publish a personal advertisement in this issue with
reference to my website and contact information. My personal
commitment to marketing and branding my business benefits
my clients by promoting my website where my property listings
are featured.
Million Dollar Club is an elite group of real estate agents,
honored for their negotiating, listening, and marketing skills.
Agents are promoted year-round to connect previous and
future buyers and sellers with their next real estate investments.

Homes & Land Magazine, www.homesandland.com, is a real
estate magazine and website that advertises real estate listings
and resources throughout North America. A recent study by
BIGresearch Company found that magazines are an effective
medium that generate interest across all generations. I contract
with our local Homes & Land magazine to advertise my listings
in a print medium that provides a longer shelf life than just
weekend newspaper ads. By placing advertisements with
Homes & Land, the magazine links to over 20 Web partners,
including Yahoo!, Real Estate.com, and WallStreetJournal.com,
giving my client’s properties extra promotion.

17

MARKETING PLAN

AskAnnAboutHomes.com, my personal web site is an easyto-use resource for home buying and selling. It also promotes
my listings and has a link to search the RMLS. The website
address is used on all of my marketing campaigns driving traffic
to the website further benefiting those clients whose homes I
have listed and posted on the site.

The Eugene Magazine, Lane County’s lifestyle quarterly
magazine, is a wonderful depiction of our city, offering articles of
interest from the Community Pulse to Health and Wellness.
Eugene Living, a regular feature of the magazine, focuses on the
many home lifestyle options open to Lane County residents.
Equinox Real Estate is committed to advertising its company in
the magazine, attracting consumers and further branding the
firm. Additionally, I place a personal advertisement in the
magazine promoting my Luxury Home Specialist and Certified
Residential Specialist designations. The company and personal
advertising in this magazine is a benefit to my clients by giving
distinction and prestige.

ONLINE MARKETING • WEB SITES

MARKETING PLAN
18

ONLINE MARKETING • SOCIAL MEDIA

MARKETING PLAN
19

ONLINE MARKETING • REGISTER GUARD HOMES MARKETPLACE

Listings are advertised on
the Homes Marketplace
section of
RegisterGuard.com.

MARKETING PLAN
20

O N L I N E M A R K E T I N G • L U X U RY H O M E S & P RO P E RT I E S
The Accredited Luxury Home Specialist (ALHS) Designation is testimony to the agent's
commitment to knowledge of the up-scale marketplace and today's affluent clients. The
Designation also signifies the agent has a proven track record in the field of luxury
properties as demonstrated by verified closed escrows.
Education, Experience and Ethics signify an ALHS Agent.

Advertising in Eugene
Weddings magazine draws
potential clients to the
website and provides
additional marketing and
showings of our listing.

From the Big Day to Everyday
MARKETING PLAN

Hire the real estate broker who introduces you to the
home that completes the ending to your fairy tale.

Ann Kieran

Certified Residential Specialist

541-513-1828

Ann@EquinoxRealEstate.com

24

PRINT MARKETING • HOMES & LAND

Homes & Land is a
high-quality real estate
magazine offered for free
to prospective buyers
in Lane County.

MARKETING PLAN
25

PRINT MARKETING • POSTC ARDS & MAILERS
Postcards & Mailers are a highly effective way to connect with prospective buyers in a target
area as well as other real estate brokers. They can be used to advertise open houses and
are a great tool to increase showings.

MARKETING PLAN
26

PRINT MARKETING • REGISTER GUARD
Real Estate Monthly is a special publication of the Register Guard, featuring the listings of
Equinox Real Estate in a choice location: the entire back page!
86210 Blossom St. • $159,000

87752 Terrace View • $147,500

6300 Forest Ridge • $449,000

Gardener’s delight in Southeast Eugene! Room for
everyone, with formal living and dining rooms, 2
fireplaces, family room and much more. Spend lazy
summer days on the back deck or working in the
gardens or the many fruit trees. All conveniently
located near shopping and schools. Call today!

Updated and Ready to Go! Fireplace,
refinished hardwood floors, new windows,
new heater, new garage and much more.
Fenced yard oversized garage complete
this unique property, Low county taxes and
priced to sell!

Great Heceta Beach Florence area lot! Fabulous
property with a large garage (26x44) that has power.
And there is a large area with space and hook-ups
for two RV’s. Septic, electrical and water are all in.
Build a home and have a “peek” at the ocean. Near
county parks and a great walking beach.

This beautiful home features a great open floor plan, 4 bdrms,
3 baths with two true master bdrms one on each level. Cherry
wood floors & cabinets. Wonderful chefs kitchen, dining with
large deck. Living room with gas fireplace. Family room with
deck leading to a large private backyard. Oversized 3 car
garage. Almost 1/2 acre lot. Must see!

Cape Cod classic in the heart of the University
District. Hardwood floors, coved ceilings, kitchen
with updated appliances, loads of storage, and plenty
of charm. Full basement, new furnace and hot water
heater, sweet backyard with mature landscaping and
deck 3BR/1.5BA.

What a value! Only $237,500 for an amazing
opportunity to have a small vineyard with
professional assistance. Five acre homesite
with long views and excellent exposure.
Lovely pasture, gentle land in a remarkable,
upscale subdivision. Call

Jim Barnhart, Principal Broker (541)729-5060

Bess Blacquiere (541)729-2141

KayDee Hallert (541)285-0040

Karen Fine (541)556-6374

360 East 11th Avenue, Eugene

541-683-2200

Equinoxrealestate.com

6350564Y10

Marie Due (541)521-5747

MARKETING PLAN

4105 Oak • $275,000

27

NETWORKING TOOLS â&#x20AC;Š
High tech and highly effective, evites and custom designed e-mails are used to present
properties via email to other agents.

Ann is linked into the
Travel Lane County website,
where visitors can find contact
information in the
real estate section.
Click on the relocation
resources area.

29

SELLING TIPS

30

SELLING TIPS

31

SE LL ER ’ S C H E C K L I S T
A G O O D F I RST I M P R E S S I O N C A N H E L P S E L L
YO U R H O M E
You can assist your real estate broker when you are showing
your home to prospective buyers by remembering that first
impressions are the most lasting and the most important to its
sale.
Your major role as a seller will be to make your home as
attractive as possible to potential buyers. The time, effort and
limited financial investment involved can give you the
competitive edge needed to sell your home when you want –
at the price you want.
YO U R H O M E'S EXT ER I O R C R EAT ES T H E
PROSPECTI VE BUYER'S FIRST IMPRESSION
Since the exterior of your home is the first thing a prospective
buyer sees, a little time and effort can make a big difference in
the impression your home creates. It will also pay off towards a
quicker and higher priced sale. Use this check list to make sure
your home's exterior looks its best:

If you have planned to paint the house within the coming year,
consider painting the house before having it shown. A new
paint job will normally enhance the sale value a good deal more
than the cost of the paint.
If your home's exterior looks clean, orderly and in good repair,
that's the impression your house will first convey.

Take an inspection tour of your home, observing it as a potential
buyer would:
Walls are clean and free of smudges, fingerprints and dents.
Woodwork and wallpaper are inspected for problem areas;
wallpaper is cleaned and woodwork is waxed.
Badly worn furniture is temporarily stored in family's or
neighbor's attic or basement.
Curtains and drapes are freshly laundered or cleaned.
Rugs and carpets are shampooed. Floors are waxed.
Loose doorknobs, sticking doors, windows and warped
drawers are repaired.
Leaky faucets are fixed. Water discoloration in sink is
eliminated.
Loose stair banisters are tightened and steps are free of
objects.
Light fixtures are in good working order. Discolored or
cracked switch plates are replaced.
Closets, shelves and drawers are organized to display
spaciousness.
Clothing is hung neatly and shoes and other objects are
neatly arranged.
Bathrooms are sparkling clean. Tub and shower caulking is
repaired. Counters are cleared of unnecessary items.
Bedrooms are neat. Bedspreads and curtains are attractive.
Dressers and desks have been cleared of unnecessary
items.
The kitchen is clean and tidy, including cupboards,
refrigerator, stove and oven. Counters have been cleared of
unnecessary items.
The basement, attic and garage are clean and well
organized.
Mirrors and picture frames are clean.
Mirrors are strategically placed to create an impression of
added space in problem areas.
Lamp shades are in good condition.
Electrical connections are plugged in.
Consider painting walls and replacing carpeting if cleaning
doesn't do the trick.
It is also important to keep lighting in mind when you show
your home. Good lighting will make your home seem more
cheery and spacious.

32

SELLING TIPS

Lawn is well cut and neatly trimmed around the walks and
drive.
Flower garden is weeded.
Entry area has attractive potted or planted flowers.
Shrubs are trimmed and dead trees and branches are
eliminated.
All debris is disposed of and toys and lawn equipment are
neatly stored.
Fences and gates are repaired and repainted, if necessary.
The roof, gutters and downspouts are in good repair and
clean from debris and moss.
Siding, driveways and sidewalks are washed.
Cracked windows and torn screens are replaced. Screens,
windows and window sills are washed. Doorknobs are
polished.
Doorbell and front lights are in good working order.

A S P OT L E S S I N T E R I O R W I L L R E I N F O RC E
YO U R H O M E'S F I RST I M P R ES S I O N
Interior dirt and clutter can obscure your home's good points,
so start with a full house cleaning from top to bottom. Store
unused or unnecessary items in closets and storage areas or
hold a garage sale. Eliminate clutter and your home will look
more spacious – an important selling point.

SE LL ER ’ S C H E C K L I S T
OV E R- I M P ROV I N G D O E S N ' T PAY
Don't plan major improvements on your home. Most home
buyers want to make their own major changes. You are usually
wiser to sell them the potential – at a price they can afford.
You can do a lot to help your real estate broker show your
home. Showing your home is all important to its sale, and there
are many ways you can help your real estate professional do his
or her job successfully.
L A ST- M I N U T E D E TA I L S T H AT M A X I M I Z E
YO U R H O M E'S S EL L I NG P OT ENT I A L
The television and radio are turned off or low enough to
allow the salesperson and buyer(s) to talk, free of
disturbances.
Children and pets are sent outdoors to play or otherwise
entertained to eliminate confusion and to keep the
prospect's attention focused positively on your house.
Bad odors are eliminated. Air freshener is used before the
potential buyer arrives, especially if you have pets or if the
house has been closed up for some time.
The house has adequate lighting (during daytime, drapes
are open; at night, plenty of lights are on, including the
porch light).
Wood is stored next to the fireplace. In winter a fire is lit.
The kitchen sink is free of dishes.
Magazines and children's toys are in order.
Plants have been watered and look healthy.
Fresh flowers are arranged tastefully around the house.
WHAT YOU CAN DO WHILE YOUR HOUSE IS
BEING SHOWN

SELLING TIPS

Be courteous, but don't force conversation with the
potential buyer(s). Ask your real estate broker if your
presence is necessary.
Never apologize for the appearance of your home. Let
your real estate broker or agent answer any objections.
Leave it to your real estate professional to emphasize the
features of your home.
Make sure your agent or broker knows where you are so
you may answer questions, but don't tag along.
Your broker will discuss price, terms, possession and other
factors with the potential buyer(s).
Your real estate broker has the experience and training
necessary to bring negotiations to a successful conclusion. If
you've followed the guidelines provided, you'll know you've
already done your part by making sure your home creates a
good first impression.

33

PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR INSPECTION
When pre-owned homes come onto the market, they are
rarely in perfect shape and most of them have that special
“lived-in” look. That is why most buyers want to have a
professional home inspection to confirm the proper working
condition of major systems in the home: electrical, mechanical,
plumbing and the integrity of its structural components on the
day of the inspection. However, minor items often are identified
during this inspection process.
Individually, these items are not a big issue, but the cumulative
effect of many small items could be discouraging for a potential
buyer. If a home seller knows what to look for, many of these
minor items can be identified and addressed prior to a
professional inspection.
As a service to you, I have compiled a checklist of minor items
often found in need of repair during a whole house inspection.
If repairs are needed, plan to do them before the professional
inspection is performed. It will ensure a smoother sale and
contribute to a positive home inspection experience.

INTERIOR

EXTERIOR

PLUMB ING
• Do the bases of the faucets leak?
• Do the faucets shut off completely, preventing water from
leaking?
• Are any drains clogged?
• Do the stopper mechanisms of sinks and bathtubs open and
close properly?
• Is there access to the main water and main gas shut off
valves?
• Are the bathtub and shower enclosures properly caulked?
• Are the toilets loose at the floor or at the tank?
• Do you have well water records available?
• Do you have septic tank records available?
• Are lawn sprinklers working properly?
ELECTRICAL
• Are any receptacles, switches or their covers broken or
loose?
• Are all receptacles “hot” and switches operable?
• Do any light bulbs, fluorescent or cosmetic lights need
replacing?
• Do the ceiling fans work properly?
• Do the reset buttons of GFCI receptacles pop out when the
test button is pressed?
• Do the electrical junction boxes have covers?
• Do smoke alarms and CO2 detectors meet current code
and function properly?
• Are carbon monoxide testers working properly?
• Do the kitchen exhaust and bathroom fans work properly?

• Does the grading around the house direct rain water away
from the foundation?
• Are any roof shingles missing?

34

SELLING TIPS

• Do wall and ceiling surfaces have holes or cracks that need
patching?
• Do all the windows have operable latches?
• Can all the windows be opened and closed properly?
• Do any of the windows have cracked panes or broken seals?
• Do windows need caulking?
• Are any of the windows painted shut?
• Are stair railings loose?
• Are moldings loose, broken or missing?
• Do interior doors stick, or open and close smoothly?
• Are kitchen or bathroom tiles cracked?
• Can you explain the existence or repair of old water
penetration stains on walls and ceilings?
• Does the chimney damper open and close properly?
• Does the chimney need cleaning?
• Does the chimney mortar need pointing?
• Are there any signs of insect infestation?

• Are the gutters and down spouts connected and secured to
the house?
• Are the gutters and down spouts clean and free from debris
and weeds?
• Is the exterior wood trim in good condition?
• Do any wood surfaces have less than six inches of clearance
from soil contact?
• Are stair or porch railings loose?
• Are the wood or concrete steps in good condition?
• Does any of the siding need repair or replacement?
• Do the retaining walls or fences need repair?

MOVING OUT CHECKLIST
In order to assist the new home owners in connecting
services to the home in their name(s), please provide the
following information:
Electric service provider:

If there is a neighborhood mailbox – where is it located and
how does the new owner get keys to the box. Some
neighborhood mailboxes require the owner to visit the postal
service for initial set up and the old owner MUST turn in keys
– please check before moving from your home.

Please remember to call and have the disconnection of the
above referenced services as of the closing date. Please leave
house keys, garage door openers, keys to mailboxes,
warranties and appliance information in the home for the new
home owners. Thank you for your help and consideration.

MARKET ANALYSIS EXPLANATION
The correct selling price of a home is the highest

By carefully studying the comparable property

price the market will bear. To assist you in

locations, features, and the terms under which they

determining the correct asking price I have provided

are offered, we can develop a clear picture of the

you with a competitive market analysis of

potential market for your property.

comparable properties that have been recently
offered for sale in your area.

By looking at the properties currently listed, we can
see exactly what alternatives a serious buyer has to

This analysis is based strictly on homes that can be

choose from. We can be certain that we are not

considered similar to yours, and has been specially

under pricing the property.

prepared for you over the last few days.
By looking at similar properties recently sold, we can
This comprehensive property analysis is divided into

see what homeowners have actually received over

three categories:

the last few months. This is the acid test that is used
by lending institutions to determine how much they
will be willing to lend a buyer for your home.

1. Similar properties that are currently listed

While we naturally want top market for the home,
we can agree that there is a point where the price
would be too high. By looking at homes that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t
sell, we can accurately determine that price point and
be careful not to get too close to it. By doing our

2. Similar properties that have recently sold

homework diligently, we can get maximum dollars in
a reasonably short period of time.